Tribute run for fallen Greenland police chief: Thousands turn out to raise money for trust fund in honor of Chief Michael Maloney

Monday

Apr 30, 2012 at 3:15 AMApr 30, 2012 at 5:34 AM

By Laurenne Ramsdelllramsdell@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH — The sun shone brightly on the more than 2,000 individuals who participated in the Chief Maloney Memorial Run/Walk on Sunday.

Runners and walkers from all over New England gathered at the Portsmouth police station, readying themselves to begin the more than 5-mile trek to the Greenland police station.

Some bounced up and down, warming their muscles in anticipation, while others waited patiently to begin the event to honor fallen Police Chief Michael Maloney and raise money for a trust fund in his name.

Hundreds of spectators called out words of encouragement the instant the horn was sounded to indicate the beginning of the run/walk, sending participants on their way to Greenland with high spirits despite the tragic circumstances that recently unfolded in the Seacoast.

Maloney was fatally wounded April 12, just days shy of his scheduled retirement, while attempting to deliver a search warrant at the home of a suspected drug dealer. Maloney's death shook Greenland and Seacoast communities to the core as friends, family and the law enforcement community grieved over the untimely loss.

It was evident the fallen police chief greatly impacted the community at large, as more than 2,000 individuals of all levels of athleticism took time on Sunday morning to walk in his memory.

"Michael was a friend," said Donna Fabisak as she waited eagerly to walk the 5.4 miles to Greenland.

Fabisak said she knew the late chief through his many years of service and felt that taking part in Sunday's memorial run/walk was a good way to pay her respects. As her work schedule didn't allow for her to attend as many of the recent memorial services as she would have liked, Fabisak said she would use the breezy walk to reflect on what a kind-hearted individual Maloney truly was.

Though he did not know the Greenland police chief, David Heintzelman of Hampton said he wanted to participate in the memorial run/walk because his wife had gone to school with one of Maloney's family members.

"I've been told he was an all around great guy," said Heintzelman. "I'm very happy to be here today."

Danielle LeClair of Fremont brought her two children, Kaitlyn and Nathan, along with her as they walked, jogged their way to Greenland.

"It could be your town," said LeClair. "I just think it's really important to honor those people who put their life on the line for us."

For Detective Rebecca Hester of the Portsmouth Police Department, Maloney's death was the sixth line of duty tragedy she has experienced since joining the force. Though fueled by a tragedy, Hester said Sunday's massive turnout made her even more proud to be a member of the Seacoast law enforcement community.

"Clearly he was somebody who had an impact on people," said Hester. "Everyone coming here today shows the family that they are not alone and that they are still a part of the law enforcement family."

En route to Greenland, runners and walkers were guided through winding back roads mapped out by orange road cones. Some that had started the race alongside friends and family began to approach the finish line in waves, while others stayed linked arm-in-arm intent to finish the race together.

Children, parents pushing strollers, longtime runners and newcomers — participants of all ages and skill levels worked their way to the finish line.

As each person participating in the run/walk approached the end of the course, members of Maloney's family were on hand to greet and thank them.

"Thank God for these people," said Joan Buchanan, Maloney's mother, of the runners and walkers. "This means so much to us."

Lauri Buchanan, Maloney's sister-in-law, stood alongside Buchanan and a group of other family members as she cheered on group after group of participants. Even after more than an hour had gone by after the first person crossed the finish line, Lauri Buchanan continued to clap for the waves of participants that approached the Greenland police station.

"It's truly overwhelming," said Buchanan as she waved to a group of children who ran to the finish line alongside their parents. "We have seen such tremendous support today."

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